GNDR is searching for a successor to its founding Executive Director to lead its secretariat and global network. You will be working to reduce disaster risk around the world and increase community resilience. We are looking for a strategic leader and communicator with a commitment to the role of civil society in building disaster resilience and strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction at the grassroots level. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a growing network with a vital role to play in a world facing climate change and other geopolitical disruptions.

About GNDR

The Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR) was established in 2007 as a voluntary network of organisations who are committed to working together and engaging with partners and other stakeholders to increase societal resilience and reduce disaster risk around the world. The network has approximately 850 member organisations in over 145 countries.

The GNDR membership is supported by a small but effective international secretariat team operating through a global hub office in London and regional hub offices in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The GNDR Secretariat is legally constituted as a UK charity with the main responsibilities of facilitating the development, coordination and implementation of strategy; work plans and budgets (including membership services); and mobilisation of adequate resources to deliver GNDR’s strategic objectives.

Vision:

A vibrant, active, collaborative civil society supporting people and their communities (particularly poor and vulnerable groups) to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from extreme hazards, shocks and disturbances in a changing climate.

Strategic Objectives:

increase the impact of civil society in influencing policies and practices at all levels;

enhance the collaboration capabilities of civil society and cooperation with other stakeholders; and

strengthen the creation, sharing and uptake of knowledge and practice

About the Role

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall development, leadership and management of GNDR under the guidance and direction of the Global Board who function as the executive decision-making body mandated to act on behalf of the broader membership. The Executive Director serves as the head of GNDR International Secretariat, which includes the global hub office in London and regional hub offices in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Planning

In close consultation with the Global Board and wider membership, lead an inclusive process to define, develop, outwork and review GNDR’s vision, mission and strategy.

Lead and support the Board and Secretariat team in the development of annualised work plans and budgets to support the implementation of the adopted strategy.

2. Corporate Governance

Maintain regular formal and informal communications with the Global Board / Trustees, ensuring the timely preparation and presentation of progress reports, briefing and conference calls, face-to-face meetings and other activities.

3. Organisational Development and Secretariat Management

Lead the on-going development, day-to-day management and support to an expanding GNDR Secretariat team and associated consultants, advisers, volunteers and service providers to ensure a high performing and motivated Secretariat team, at times during periods of intense operational activities and rapid organisational change.

Oversee the timely recruitment, induction, management, training and development of regional and UK-based Secretariat staff, including ensuring regular performance reviews and personal development plans.

Oversee the development and enhancement of internal administration, finance and management policies and procedures, including communications, logistics and human resources policies and practices.

Oversee the growth, development and management of GNDR’s membership, including provision of appropriate membership support services including membership directory, registration and subscription processes as appropriate.

4. Programme Development and Implementation

Oversight of the development and delivery of high quality programmes, projects and events coordinated and implemented by the GNDR secretariat and/ or wider membership in support of GNDR’s strategic objectives.

Support Secretariat staff in the development and coordination of key advocacy and campaign activities to influence policy discourse and raise critical awareness and engagement.

5. Resource Mobilisation and Management

Oversee the development of GNDR funding strategy to ensure adequate, timely and sustainable resources to implement strategic objectives.

Support the preparation and submission of high quality funding proposals to government donors and charitable trusts / foundations.

Oversee budget management and oversight of all financial aspects of GNDR operations, working closely with finance and secretariat staff, ensuring compliance with donor / partner contractual obligations and timely and high quality periodic reports to the Global Board.

Ensure internal and external reporting requirements are carried out in a timely manner and are of a high quality and compliant with GNDR branding.

7. Strategic Partnerships and Alliances

Develop relationships with other civil society networks and cross-disciplinary organisations and associations in increase coherence and collaboration across traditional boundaries to strengthen resilience and reduce risk.

Identify and develop strategic relationships and joint actions with relevant state and non-state partners including local authorities’ networks, UN agencies, development banks, academia and research institutions, media, etc.

8. Knowledge Management / Organisational Learning

Support the development of a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness of GNDR’s work and progress towards strategic objectives and to ensure the GNDR network is a learning organisation.

Encourage and support the development of case studies, reports and other learning materials with the wider GNDR membership.

Skills and Experience

Substantial experience and knowledge of international aid and development at a senior management and leadership level, both at headquarters and country-based positions.

To apply for this role, please prepare your CV (in English) and a motivation letter (one page) that summarises how your profile aligns with the key requirements, skills and abilities of this role.

Both files should be submitted as Word documents by following "Submit your CV" below.

After submitting your application, you will receive an automated confirmation. If you do not receive this or have general questions about submitting your application, please write to enquiry@missiontalent.com.